Program Director-Special Services

PAJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Program Director, Special Services Department: SELPA/Special Services FLSA: Exempt Reports To: Director, SELPA/Special Services SUMMARY Supports the Director, SELPA/Special Services in overseeing the program and service development, implementation, and evaluation of the District’s Special Education programs, WorkAbility and Transition Partnership Program (TPP), Psychological Services, Health Services, and Home and Hospital Instruction. NATURE AND SCOPE Carries out a wide range of leadership and administrative duties including overseeing the day to day operations of assigned programs and supporting the Director in establishing the department vision and direction; developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs; supervising and evaluating assigned staff member; supporting staff development activities; collaborating with appropriate community agencies; ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local mandates; and managing an annual budget of approximately 20 million dollars. Each Program Director provides direct or indirect supervision and evaluation of approximately 200 certificated and classified staff members. DISTINGUISIUNG CHARACTERISTICS This is a mid-management level position requiring specialized training, knowledge, and background in special and general education. Incumbent has a a wide degree of latitude in carrying out complex and highly detailed duties. ESSENTIAL TYPES OF DUTIES (Examples) • Supports Director in establishing department vision and the direction of programs. • Assists Director in overseeing development, implementation, and evaluation of all assigned programs and related curriculum in order to ensure positive student outcomes and continual improvement in stardized testing and graduation rates. • Assists Director in management of the annual budget. • Supports the Director in interpreting and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Participates with the Director in representing the District in all due process procedings and responses to compliance complaints related to Special Education. • Oversees day to day operation of assigned programs (including District facilities dedicated to Special Education students such as the Duncan Holbert Early Childhood Education Center). • Trains and supervises staff members in appropriate administration of state and local mandated assessments such as the California High School Exit Exam, the CAT-6, and CAPA. • Facilitates and supervises services to students who are eligible for Special Education and require placement in nonpublic schools or have been unilaterally placed in private schools by their parents. • In collaboration with the Transportation Department, ensures that legally mandated transportation services are provided as identified on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). • Participates in recruitment of hiring of fully qualified staff. Supervises and evaluates assigned certificated and classified staff and provides support to all staff in assigned programs. • Meets, consults, and collaborates with other district administrators as well as program staff regarding issues relevant to students served by the Department. • Collaborates with Program Specialists in developing and providing staff development activities for the Department. • Participates on the Special Education Community Advisory Council (CAC). • Assists the Director in maintaining open and positive communication with local as well as State-level community groups and organizations such as San Andreas Regional Center, Easter Seals, Head Start, the Department of Rehabilitation, County Departments of Health, Social Services, and Mental Health, and County alternative education programs to ensure that appropriate services are being provided to students. • Takes leadership role in completion of program reviews such as State Coordinated Compliance/Quality Program reviews. • Develops and administers required extended year programs for Special Education students. • Performs other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge and Skills: Considerable knowledge in Special Education and program management. Thorough knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws codes and regulations as well as District organization, operations, policies, and objectives. Requires both oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain complex and detailed information. Well-developed computer skills in the areas of e-mail, word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Abilities: Requires the ability to plan, organize, and direct work of certificated and classified personnel. Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff. Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction to all of the assigned programs. Identify and respond to issues, concerns and needs. Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures for providing effective and efficient operations. Assist in management of large and complex budgets. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques. Prepare a variety of clear and concise reports. Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Physical Abilities: Requires light to moderate physical effort which may include frequent standing, walking, and bending and occasional lifting, climbing, or stooping, use of medium weight tools and materials; indoor/outdoor work environment. Requires sufficient visual and hearing acuity as well as speaking ability to carry out duties of job. A pre-placement physical examination may be required. Education and Experience: Requires a Master’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course work in Special Education or a related field. Minimum of 5 years increasingly responsible experience in an educational environment (preferably Special Education), including 2 years of supervisory experience, one of which must have been as an administrator. Licenses and Certificates: California Pupil Personnel Services Credential or California Teaching (preferably Special Education) or Specialist Credential; Administrative Services Credential; valid California Driver's License.